Blackburn Implements EAST Program
   By Angela Wunder

Many new students expect the transition from high school to college to be a smooth process of self-discovery and achievement; and unfortunately that is not always the case.

“Historically it is accurate to say that forty percent of students will drop out after their freshman year,” says Rob Weis, Blackburn College campus counselor.

With a drop out percentage at nearly half, many believe intervention is a must if we hope to retain students.
That is why for the last year members of Blackburn’s staff has been meeting to create an Early Alert Support Team, otherwise referred to as EAST. Representatives of the board include members from academics, the work program, student life, residential life, athletics, and the registrar’s office.

It all begins with referrals of specific events or circumstances, which show a possible situation or unresolved issue. While severe cases are handled through individualized counseling, many interventions are handled by close faculty or staff, or by peer counselors. “The key is making a connection with a person that the student feels comfortable with,” Rob Weis continues.

EAST has noticed trends or themes to the problems students are facing, not all of which are related to academics, some are as simple as: being away from home, responsibility for their own time, and making new friends. However the main focus is academics. EAST has noticed a trend of students dropping courses at midterm, due to low grades. If a student feels that they cannot complete a course their freshman year, perhaps they are not cut out for school altogether. Unfortunately many become discouraged and withdraw from Blackburn.

It has been identified that more than 130 students have a grade of a D or lower in 2 courses or more at mid-term. This is especially true for freshman, for which this applies to roughly one third of any given entering freshman class.
I realized, of course, academics may not the actual problem. EAST is also interested if students needs and expectations are being met. Some people feel that there are other areas that students could be having problems with, that need evaluating.

“There was a time in my freshman year, when I was in trouble both academically and in other aspects, and no one really noticed. I wish I could have had someone that I felt could turn to; my advisor or a staff member, someone that cared,” says junior Bonnie Burcham. What about the student who has made dean’s list every semester, yet is currently on social probation and continually receives social and residential write-ups. This is where the EAST program needs to step in.

Weis acknowledges, “If you challenge students, they will strive to achieve."

“The time has come to link the struggling students with counselors and save our student population, and then this program’s hard work will be paid off. The college hopes that, this year’s retention will be better that last, and next year they can achieve even higher retention levels.” said Weiss